Saturday, September 1, 2007

Day 7~ The Inside Passage, Etc.

Our last day went by way too fast.  We were cruising the Inside Passage between the Queen Charlotte Islands, Vancouver Island and British Columbia's mainland.  During the morning we had fog but the sun soon burned it off and were blessed with a beautiful sunny day.

There are many activities onboard this day.  The last minute duty free-tax free shopping, the stirring Parade of Flags (with the crew singing "We Are Family."), cooking demonstrations, towel folding~how to make a lobster out of a towel, ice carving demo, BINGO...you just hop from one thing to another.  All the time enjoying the beautiful scenery on both sides of the ship.   All the time getting closer to Seattle...

The Parade of Flags brings a tear to my eyes.  The officers, staff and crew aboard "The Vision of the Seas" represent over 50 countries.  They come marching along deck 10, down the stairs and stand around the edge of the pool with their respective flags.  If these people can work together on a daily basis for months at a time...why can't the countries of the world take a cue from them and live in harmony?  It is truly a sight to behold.  And I'm sure all of you who have cruised will agree.

We played BINGO once last time Thursday afternoon.  One person winning the final jackpot of over $5,000 on a black out game.  Nope, it wasn't me.  :(

As we went to dinner, we reflected on all our adventures of the past week.  After eating, Dennis, Darlene & I went to the lower level of the dining room and found little Sally from the Philippines. She was our assistant waiter last year.  She didn't remember our names, but she remembered our big group of people and was thrilled we came to see her.  This year she's a full fledged waiter and we congratulated her on that promotion.

There was a beautiful sunset this night as well as an almost full moon.  I think most of us were feeling the same, we all knew we were getting closer to Seattle~that when we woke up in the morning , we'd be docked there.

Back in our cabins, we did our last minute packing, remembering to hold out what we would need in the morning.  All baggage had to be out in the hall by 11pm, so it could be taken to the lower deck and off loaded in Seattle in the morning.  Then we settled in for our last night in our floating home..again knowing that in the morning we'd be in Seattle.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Iam sorry this trip had to come to an end too,Thankyou so much for taking us along ,I have enjoyed this so much ,loved the pictures of the towel folding and the ice sculptures,oh just all of it lol ....love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Linda, this has been a wonderful trip to read about and see the photos so I can only imagine what it must have been like for you that actually went on it!  The sunset photo in particular is beautiful.  Thanks again for showing us!  Love, Pat   http://journals.aol.co.uk/pm71blackfen/ramblings-from-pat/

Anonymous said...

TY for sharing all. Sounds like you had a wonderful time!!! Lots of great memories.  :)
Huggies,
Sugar

Anonymous said...

I just love reading your blogs about the cruise. The descriptions and photo make me want to go on another cruise already! Beautiful pics!

Anonymous said...

Aw all good things must come to an end.  I think you and Bob need to invest in a house boat!  Wouldn't that be the life!  What a wonderful trip you had...makes me want to go on one RIGHT NOW.

Anonymous said...

You did have a great time, Linda. Sorry it was only 7 days :-)

Anonymous said...

Linda, great job as always with the pictures and the daily write ups.
I am planning a four or more months trip around the world on a ocean liner. Any interest?
Have a nice Labor Day, Bill

Anonymous said...

Linda, I have so enjoyed taking this trip with you.  The photos as always were spectacular and was your travelogue.  I felt as if I were there every step of the way.  Thanks so much for sharing it al with us in your very wonderful way!
Marie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariealicejoan/MariesMuses/

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful cruise and time you've shared with all of us.  such beautiful pix.  it amazes me what they do with the fruit and ice.  :)
gina

Anonymous said...

I didn't want it to end either, all so pretty and all the pampering, lol.....
You'll just have to print out all the pictures and wall paper all around your computer area......
Thanks for sharing!
Linda :)

Anonymous said...

Aww...this is king of sad!  I was really enjoying these entries!  lol  R u going again next year?  

Anonymous said...

I wasn't even on the cruise and I don't want it to end!!!!!  I so enjoyed taking your cruise with you through pictures and your wonderful descriptions.  Go again soon!!  LOL.  It makes me want to go again sooooo badly!  Isn't it amazing what they can do with food?  Thanks for sharing your trip, I loved it.
Lisa

Anonymous said...

That last sunset was awsome!  No wonder you didn't want to go home.

Greg